For practising chord changes in a small space, a keyboard is a good choice if you can practise the chord shapes yourself and it fits where you plan to set it up. Choose features such as a metronome or accompaniment based on how you want to practise; you don't automatically need lots of accompaniment features. Measure the space you need for your hands and cables, and check for a headphone socket if you want to practise quietly.
You mainly want to repeat chord shapes and transitions without making the controls unnecessarily complicated. Yamaha and Casio list touch-sensitive keys on the models discussed; decide for yourself whether their practice features suit the way you play.
You share your space or want to play at quieter times, so you're looking for a suitable headphone socket. The Casio manual states that the built-in speakers turn off when headphones are connected.
You want to practise chord changes to a rhythm or pattern. Roland describes a chord sequencer for the GO:KEYS 3, while Korg describes accompaniment for the EK-50 that responds to the chords you play.
First decide whether you mainly want to practise on your own or use accompaniment. Then measure the space where you plan to set it up and check that it has the connections you need.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Practising chord changes on your own | Try the chord shapes you want to learn and check whether touch sensitivity and a metronome are available. Yamaha and Casio list these practice features on the models discussed. | If I mainly want to practise chord shapes and transitions on my own, the accompaniment shouldn't take over my playing. Around 36% of consumers say practising chords independently is their top priority. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the socket and plug size for the model you're considering. The Casio CT-S300 manual states that the built-in speakers turn off when headphones are connected. | If I share my space, I want to hear the keyboard through headphones. Around 29% of consumers say practising quietly is their top priority. |
| Finding the right size | Measure the available width and depth, and allow space for your hands, cables and any music rest. Korg gives the EK-50's dimensions without the music rest. | If my practice space is small, there needs to be enough room beside the instrument to play comfortably. Around 21% of consumers say the space needed for set-up is their top priority. |
| Accompaniment for chord changes | Decide whether you want accompaniment that responds to the chords you play or a preset pattern to practise along with. Korg describes chord-controlled accompaniment, while Roland describes a chord sequencer. | If I want to practise changes within a musical pattern, I need to know whether the accompaniment follows my chords or plays a pattern independently. Around 14% of consumers say practising with accompaniment is their top priority. |
According to Roland, the GO:KEYS 3 can play a chord pattern without you entering the chords on the keyboard yourself. So the pattern won't automatically show you whether you can play the change yourself.
Practise the change yourself first, then use the pattern as a rhythmic or musical reference.
A keyboard also needs to fit in terms of depth, and the stated dimensions may not include accessories such as a music rest. Korg notes that the EK-50's dimensions are given without the music rest.
Measure the depth and the clear space around where you plan to play.
A music rest and cables can take up extra space.
ACM ConsuWijzer explains that your statutory rights exist alongside any seller's or manufacturer's warranty.
Check who the seller is, keep your proof of purchase and review the terms of any additional warranty separately.
The PSR-E383 is designed for anyone who wants to combine chord practice with a metronome, lesson features and accompaniment styles.
The CT-S300 is worth considering if you have limited space and want to practise independently.
The GO:KEYS 3 is worth considering if you want to practise with preset or self-created chord patterns.
The EK-50 is worth considering if you want accompaniment styles that respond to the chords you play.
Play the chord shapes yourself first at a tempo of your choice. Then use a chord pattern as a rhythmic or musical reference. According to Roland, the GO:KEYS 3 sequencer can play chords without you entering them on the keyboard yourself.
Measure the space and leave room for your hands, cables and any music rest. Also check the headphone plug and power supply for the exact model; some stated dimensions, such as those for the Korg EK-50, don't include the music rest.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, for a standard online purchase of goods, you generally have 14 days to change your mind from the date of delivery, although some exceptions apply. You also have statutory rights if a product used normally doesn't meet the expectations you could reasonably have of it; a manufacturer's warranty doesn't replace those rights.
The NVWA states that CE marking is mandatory for electrical products. Check the product information and details of the supplied power supply for the specific model.
